Evaluation of ultrathin semirigid ureteroscopy in terms of efficiency and cost compared to flexible ureteroscopy in treating proximal ureteric stones: a prospective randomized multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcome and cost-effectiveness of ultrathin 6-7.5-Fr semirigid ureteroscopy in treating proximal ureteric stones compared to flexible ureteroscopy. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty patients with a solitary proximal ureteric stone were eligible for ureteroscopy (stone size = 1-2 cm). Patients were randomly subdivided into two groups: Group I included 105 patients who underwent ultrathin semirigid ureteroscopy and group II included 115 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy. Both groups were compared regarding successful stone access, operation time, reoperation rates, the financial cost to stone-free, complications, and stone clearance at 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Groups I and II had no significant differences regarding patient demographics, stone criteria, and hospitalization time. In contrast, the mean operative time was significantly longer in group II (p < 0.001). The overall scope-to-stone access rate was 89.5%. It was 87.6% compared to 91.3% (p = 0.32), while the stone-free rate was 81.9% versus 87.8% (p = 0.22) for groups I and II, respectively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were statistically insignificant between the study groups. The cost/person in Egyptian pounds was 8619 ± 350 in group I, compared to 17,620 ± 280 in group II (p < 0.001); similarly, the cost to attain the stone-free rate was 8950 ± 720 in group I compared to 17,950 ± 500 in group II. CONCLUSION: Ultrathin semirigid ureteroscopy is safe, durable, and considered a cost-effective method for treating upper ureteric calculi compared to the flexible ureteroscopy and could be considered a first treatment option in developing countries.

Long-Term Success Durability of Transurethral Resection of Ejaculatory Duct in Treating Infertile Men with Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction.

Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of TURED (transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct) in treating male infertility due to ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) to the short-term follow-up. Methods: From 2000 to 2010, we retrospectively reviewed 30 men with infertility resulting from EDO who underwent TURED. Information on preoperative evaluation of patients was collected from the medical records. Standardized semen analysis was performed 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively, as well as after a 7-year follow-up. Results: The average age of patients was 35.5 ± 2.6. All patients had low ejaculate volume and normal range of the mean serum hormone levels (gonadotropins and testosterone). Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) assessment revealed midline cysts in 46.7% (n = 14 cases), a seminal vesicle dilatation in 83.3% (25/30 cases), and ejaculatory duct dilatation in 76.7% (23/30 patients). In addition, two patients (6.6%) underwent MRI pelvis to confirm equivocal EDO by TRUS. After short-term and long-term follow-up, semen parameters improved significantly in 90% of cases vs 63.3% of cases, respectively, with statistically insignificant differences in all parameters (p ≥ 0.1). Based on subgroup analysis, semen parameters improved in all partial EDO and cystic EDO cases vs complete EDO and noncystic EDO, respectively. Spontaneous pregnancies were achieved in 10 (33.3%) vs 8 (26.6%) cases after short and long term, respectively. Regarding post-TURED complications, we reported 23.3% (n = 7). Conclusion: TURED is an effective treatment for EDO. It significantly improves all semen parameters and improves the symptoms related to EDO after short and long-term follow-up.

Extended TIP vs. Standard TIP for primary distal hypospadias repair: randomized study for comparing functional and cosmetic outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to critically evaluate distal extension of the midline urethral plate incision, extended tubularized incised plate (e-TIP) technique, with the standard TIP and investigating predictors of functional and cosmetic success. METHODS: In a prospective study, consecutive patients with primary distal hypospadias presented for repair were randomized to undergo either extended TIP (e-TIP) or standard TIP (s-TIP) technique. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated postoperatively using Hypospadias-Objective-Penile-Evaluation (HOPE) score and measurement of ventral-glans-closure-length (VGCL) and meatal length (ML). Functional outcome was evaluated by maximal flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qave), and postvoid residual urine (PVR). The effect of preoperative parameters on the outcome was assessed with regression analysis. RESULTS: In all 94 cases, out of 110 randomized, were available for analysis. Forty-six in e-TIP group and 48 cases in s-TIP group with comparable preoperative demographics. Median (inter-quartile range) of postoperative total HOPE-score was 57(45-60) vs. 55(44-60) for e-TIP and s-TIP (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean (SD) ratio of VGCL/ML was 87% (26) versus 46% (12) for e-TIP vs. s-TIP, respectively (p < 0.001). Both complications and functional outcomes were comparable. Urethral plate (UP) width and the use of e-TIP technique were significant predictors of successful cosmetic outcome in regression analysis (p = 0.019 and p = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Extension of midline urethral plate can potentially create a vertical slit-like meatus located at the glans tip without compromising the functional outcome, thus providing better cosmetic outcome compared with the standard technique. The UP width was a significant predictor of superior cosmetic outcome.